The Costly Chaos Behind 20 Legendary Estates

Frank Sinatra had spent enough years around contracts, studios, casinos, divorces, and business negotiations to understand that affection did not eliminate the possibility of disagreement. His will therefore included an unusually detailed no-contest provision. A beneficiary who challenged the will, disputed the executor, claimed additional property, or pursued any of several listed legal actions risked being treated as though that person had died before him. In practical terms, an heir could ask the court for more and lose what had already been provided.